I don't see how the standard advise deviates from reality. I'm earning about double of the salary you mentioned and yes, I'm driving a kosong Viva. Stretching to the max (e.g. 9 years) is only feasible for me only if I can sleep in the car. There are many more financial challenges one should be prepared other than the four wheels.

Cheers.

i have the earning but not much capital yet. just work for a year plus. i have a mortgage to serve. well, my tenants are serving it. i need to buy a new house for my parents as they are still living in old kampung baru wooden house. i won't feel comfortable in a nice car while thinking that they are still in an old house. for my kosong viva, i bought it with my scholarship in uni and it has been paid off.

the only concern i have is safety. i need to climb over the damn karak highway to get back to hometown. i might buy cash a rm40k car for this purpose, any suggestion?

Hi, I haven't formed a family yet. I agree that I have neglected my safety on the road. I will think about it seriously and buy a better vehicle within my mean. I'll come this forum more often to decide on my future car.